Sinnard is a Ph.D. student with the School of Education’s Department of Counseling Psychology. She received this honor for her research and activism on topics related to transgender individuals. The award is helping fund her travel to the APA Convention, which runs Aug. 3-6 in Washington, D.C.

Sinnard

While at the convention, Sinnard will present her research on bisexuality and non-monogamy among transgender individuals and their partners at the Bisexuality Issues Committee Symposium.

Sinnard explains that her research interests pertain to psychotherapy processes and outcomes for transgender individuals, and factors contributing to psychological and physical health among trans and queer individuals.

Sinnard is a member of UW-Madison’s Social Justice Committee and is a "student ambassador" of APA Division 44, where she helps create space for other students interested in LGBTQ research and practice to build community with one another outside of conference spaces.

“I facilitate these networking opportunities three times per year for students to discuss LGBTQ research, practice, and community involvement,” says Sinnard. “I also market the events on social media, through emails, and through word of mouth in the queer community of Madison and surrounding areas.”

Sinnard also is in the process of creating an award within the Department of Counseling Psychology to fund graduate students who wish to present research related to LGBTQ topics in conferences.